Delhi Auto-Taxi Strike Hits Vegetable Markets; Coriander Price Jumps To Rs 100/Kg, Ginger To Rs 130/Kg

Residents of Delhi are facing double trouble as the ongoing auto and taxi strike has started affecting both transportation and vegetable prices across the city. On the second day of the strike, commuters struggled to travel while the prices of several essential vegetables sharply increased in markets.

The impact has been most visible at Azadpur Mandi, the capital's largest wholesale vegetable market, where traders say the arrival of goods has dropped significantly due to the transport disruption.

Vegetable Prices Rise Sharply In Delhi

The shortage of transport vehicles has affected the supply of vegetables entering Delhi markets. As fewer trucks are arriving with fresh stock, traders have increased prices to manage the limited supply.

Coriander prices have seen one of the steepest hikes. The herb, which was earlier sold at around Rs 40 per kilogram, is now being sold for nearly Rs 100 per kilogram in Azadpur Mandi.

Ginger has also become costlier. Its price has increased from around Rs 100 per kilogram to nearly Rs 120-130 per kilogram. Similarly, lemons and mint leaves have become more expensive over the past two days.

Traders dealing with onions, potatoes and garlic said they are currently relying on old stock because fresh supply is not reaching the market regularly. According to traders, only around 20 trucks arrived at the mandi on Friday, which is far below the quantity required to meet Delhi's daily demand.

Market sellers warned that if the strike continues and demand rises further, onion prices may also increase in the coming days. Many traders said the current stock available in the market may only last for one or two more days.

Transport Strike Causes Problems For Daily Commuters

Apart from rising food prices, the strike has also created major inconvenience for thousands of commuters across Delhi-NCR.

Several transport and taxi unions started a three-day strike on Thursday to protest against the Delhi government's policies related to commercial vehicles and rising fuel costs. The strike is expected to continue till May 23.

Passengers faced difficulties at many busy locations including New Delhi Railway Station, Anand Vihar and Mandi House Metro Station. People were seen waiting for long periods to find transport, while many had to pay higher fares for the limited vehicles available on roads.

In several industrial areas, including Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar, trucks remained parked as transporters joined the protest.

Why Are Transporters Protesting?

Transport unions say the strike is mainly against the Delhi government's decision to increase the environment compensation cess on commercial vehicles. Drivers and transport operators claim the new charges will increase their financial burden at a time when fuel prices are already very high.

Commercial vehicle drivers are also demanding a revision in taxi and auto fares due to the continuous rise in CNG, petrol and diesel prices.

According to a statement released by transporters' unions, the strike is against what they described as "unfair policies" imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management, courts and the Delhi government on the transport sector.

Drivers Say Rising Fuel Costs Are Hurting Families

Anuj Kumar Rathore, vice-president of the 'Chaalak Shakti Union', said middle-class drivers are finding it difficult to survive because of increasing fuel prices.

He stated that drivers are struggling to support their families as the cost of CNG, petrol and diesel continues to rise. Due to this, several transport organisations jointly decided to call for a "chakka jam" and appealed to drivers not to operate vehicles from May 21 to May 23.

Fear Of Further Price Rise

Traders and residents now fear that if the strike continues beyond the planned period, more essential items could become expensive in Delhi markets.

Experts say transport disruptions directly affect the supply chain of fruits, vegetables and other daily goods. If fresh stock does not reach wholesale markets on time, retailers are forced to increase prices, which ultimately affects common people.

For now, Delhi residents are dealing with both rising kitchen expenses and travel difficulties as the transport strike continues across the city.